Judging from afar.

Have you heard the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover"? Indeed, I believe many have heard it often. But did we learn anything from that? Every time, we fall into that habit.

_{Designed by Canva}

I can remember once I judged a person without knowing his truth. That lesson I never forgot.

A few years ago, a person came to live in our neighboring house. He was a rough, untidy man. He didn't talk to anyone, and his clothes are old and dirty. There began to be rumors about him. Some said he must be lazy or unemployed, while others said he was a robber. I also believed those rumors because of how he was living.

_{Image source}

One morning, when I was walking past his house, I saw that he was helping an elderly woman carry her heavy bags. Not only that, he smiled gently and spoke well with that woman. I was surprised because it was a new thing to me. Another day, I noticed he was cleaning the community park alone. One day, I had a chance to speak with him. He said that he was a retired army soldier, and he came to this city because he wanted to look after his elderly mother. He further said that her mother was old and sick. Therefore, all his earnings were spent on her medicine and food. That was the reason for his dirty clothes. He was a man who was shy and quiet by nature.

That day, I felt ashamed. Without knowing his story, we judged him badly based only on his appearance. That experience made me change. Because of his appearance, I also judged him like that. Today, when I think badly of someone I don't know, I take a moment to remind myself that I don't know their story.

_{Image source}

It is wrong to judge one by their appearance. A person's dress, face, or even behavior does not show their inside. Some have a good appearance, but they are cheaters, robbers, or abusers. Some people, even though their appearance is bad, have kind hearts. They are willing to help; they are very caring, but most people think that they are bad. People have to face difficult moments. Some people are poor, and some people are sick, as well as some are just different. It may be the reason to think of them as dangerous or bad.

When I realize that I judged someone wrongly, I feel very sorry. At that moment, I tried to correct it, talking with that person closely and getting to know the individual better. Not only that, I tell others about that. Sometimes, I beg to apologize for misunderstanding them.

The appearance of the person is not so important. But there are occasions when appearance is important, such as for an interview or public events. But appearance should not be used to decide if someone is good or bad. But it should depend on a person's heart, their actions, and how they treat others.

We all make mistakes, but the most important thing is learning from mistakes. Let's choose kindness over fast judgment. Before making the judgment, let's listen, understand, and observe. Everyone has a story behind them. Sometimes the most beautiful ones are hidden behind a simple face.

Invite to

@ruthjoe
@chilaw
@aviral123

Thank you for reading my post.